Nothing is making its premium audio dreams a reality with the introduction of the new Headphone (1) Pro: a flagship over-ear product that aims to deliver a unique industrial design with a richer audiophile experience. We’ve been really intensely focused on the product experience when it comes to the actual technology inside the headphone, and have equipped the new Headphone (1) Pro with a triple-driver configuration, adaptive noise cancelling and improved spatial audio, while maintaining the transparent aesthetic design language Nothing is known for.
The core of the Headphone (1) Pro is a 3-driver system, tapping three different driver types for various frequency ranges. A 40mm dynamic driver handles bass frequencies, a precision dynamic driver takes mid-range and vocals, and a xMEMS solid state driver takes care of highs. We think nothing means the combination will offer more powerful bass, more fine-grained vocals, and more instrument depth.
Meanwhile, it’s also partnered with Metropolis Studios on the sound tuning of the headphones. This feature may also appeal to some, in the shape of Flat EQ, which offers a flat or neutral listening experience with minimal artificial processing. Created for those seeking out a more studio-like playback, for anyone in the review, production, or mixing space, to enjoy as is.
Another area of major focus is noise cancelling. The Headphone (1) Pro has a 10-microphone system, and real time adaptive ANC, which deals with noises can provide a maximum of 46dB of noise cancelling available to the user through Nothing. Nothing claims that the headphones can monitor the user’s environment and automatically adapt their noise cancellation so, and Transparency mode allows sound from the outside world and visitors to filter through naturally if required.
3D audio gets an update. Nothing’s Dynamic Spatial Audio is compatible with head tracking for a wider, more immersive soundstage. The firm claims that the feature “is designed to deliver a richer, more alive audio experience” with music and movies, and promises to make the sound “more expansive” than traditional stereo.
Going back to the being proudly Nothing claim, the transparent window shows the internal triple-driver architecture. The headphones include machined aluminium and titanium alloy parts, which elevate the product’s overall build quality. Nothing says the titanium arms are 45 per cent lighter than those on the original Headphone (1). The ear cushions have been redesigned again, with Nothing claiming these are 50 per cent softer and more suitable for glasses wearers.
Battery life has been designed for long listening sessions but the Pro series does make some concessions versus the previous model. The Headphone (1) Pro is rated for up to 68 hours of use with ANC off and up to 30 hours with it active. A fast-10-minute charge will give about four hours of use without ANC and two with.
They also feature Hi-Res Audio, and audio playback and wired USB-C audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz using LDAC wireless. Bluetooth 6.1 and dual-device connection – which allows to connect two devices simultaneously for toggling from one to the other – offer more flexibility for someone constantly switching from their phone to their laptop.